Guide
How to install a theme in SMF 2.1
Installing a new theme on a Simple Machines Forum takes a couple of minutes from the admin area, with no file editing. This guide is for SMF 2.1, the current version (SMF 2.1.7).
Step by step
Check it’s an SMF 2.1 theme
Themes made for SMF 2.0 don’t work on SMF 2.1, and 2.1 themes don’t work on 2.0. The download page for the theme should say which version it’s for. You can see your forum’s version at the bottom of the Admin Center.
Keep the .zip as it is
Don’t unzip the download. SMF installs a theme straight from the archive, and it accepts .zip and .tar.gz files.
Open Themes and Layout
Log in as an administrator, open the Admin area, then Configuration → Themes and Layout. The first tab, Manage and Install, is where themes are installed.
Install from the archive
In the section for installing a new theme, use the option to install from an archive: choose the .zip on your computer and upload it. SMF unpacks it into your forum’s Themes folder and lists it with your other themes. There’s no confirmation step, so make sure it’s the right file.
Make it the forum default
On the same tab, set Overall forum default to the new theme and save. Guests, new members and anyone using the forum default now see it. Members who chose a theme for themselves keep their choice; the Reset everyone to option moves everybody onto one theme if you want that.
Adjust its settings
Open the Theme Settings tab and choose the new theme to set things like the forum logo and slogan, where the theme supports them.
Looking for a design? Browse our free SMF themes: every one is made for SMF 2.1.
If something goes wrong
The upload fails or the page goes blank
The file is probably bigger than PHP’s upload limit. Raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size (changing PHP settings), or use the server directory method below.
I’d rather upload the files myself
Unzip the theme on your computer, upload its folder into your forum’s Themes directory with the file manager or FTP (uploading files), then use the option to install from a directory on the server and give the folder’s path. The folder must contain theme_info.xml.
The forum looks broken after switching
Set Overall forum default back to the Default theme on the Manage and Install tab, then check the theme is made for your SMF version. The Admin Center keeps working while you do this.
Members still see the old design
They picked a theme in their own profile. Use Reset everyone to on the Manage and Install tab if everyone should use the new one.
Need somewhere to host your SMF forum? Run it on Traxio hosting: your first month is free, then it’s £0.99 a month. The themes are free whether you host with us or not. Forum hosting